4/24/03
Famous Women on Quilts: Patterns of Power
Opens at Florida International Museum
Remarkable Work by Artist Rebekka Seigel on Display May 7- August 31, 2003

St. Petersburg, FL (April 24, 2003) Florida International Museum (FIM) presents Famous Women on Quilts: Patterns of Power, on display May 7 through August 31, 2003. This series of quilts designed by artist Rebekka Seigel honors twelve inspiring women of the 20th century. Famous Women on Quilts features such women as Ella Fitzgerald, Babe Didrikson, Martha Graham, Louise Nevelson, Lucille Ball, and Barbara Jordan. It tells their stories in a unique manner, through the garments they wore for defining moments in their lives or as a means of expressing who they are. The quilts are interactive because they can be manipulated just like paper dolls.

“ Rebekka is known for her excellent technique and original designs,” says Mary Anna Murphy, Exhibitions Director of Florida International Museum. “These quilts are really works of art. Rebekka has been featured in gallery and museum exhibits across the country.”

Florida International Museum is the permanent home of The John F. Kennedy Collection and through Fall 2003, The Cuban Missile Crisis: When The Cold War Got Hot. Through April 30th, FIM is hosting Art for the People: Soviet Realism, portraits and genre paintings from the former USSR republics. Through May 4th, FIM is hosting the North American debut of Mystique of the Motorcycle, a display of 83 rare and classic motorcycles from the world-class Trev Deeley Motorcycle Collection, and Women of Our Time, a collection of photographs from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery depicting 75 of the most notable American women of the 20th century.

Admission for all exhibits is $12 for adults, $11 for college students and seniors 65+, $6 for students. Children under 6 are free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Last entry to the museum is at 4 p.m. daily.For more information please contact the Florida International Museum at 727-822-3693 or visit www.floridamuseum.org.

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The Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Florida Arts Council, State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the City of St. Petersburg. Other major sponsors include Progress Energy, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, and St. Petersburg Times.